In the 11th century, the site of Châteauneuf was only secondary and aimed to protect the castle of Chaudenay located 3.1 miles (5 km) further south. In the 12th century, the eldest son of the Chaudenay family inherited the castle of Chaudenay and the youngest that of Châteauneuf from which he took the name. Long owned by the lords of Châteauneuf, the castle was confiscated by the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe le Bon, from the last of their heirs, Catherine, following her execution in 1456 for the murder of her husband. It was then given to Philippe Pot who embarked on a major construction campaign.